Frequently Asked Questions

Report stray dogs to Council and we can send our rangers to pick them up.

Our rangers do not collect stray cats, but we do accept them at the centre.

Contact us to make an appointment to take a stray cat to the centre. 

Before taking an animal to our Animal Management Centre we will try to contact owners using details on the animal's tag and/or microchip. 

We give animals a health check to see whether they need any treatment. 

We upload pictures and where and when the animal was seized to our website and occasionally promote this page through the Councils social media. 

Animals with an identifiable owner will be kept for a maximum of 14 working days.

Unidentified animals will be kept for a maximum of 7 working days. 

Bellingen Shire Council assists residents with surrendered Cats and Dogs at a cost of $130 per animal, which helps Council with rehoming and feeding costs for the animal. 

Speak with our Rangers if you are thinking of surrendering your cat or dog, as there are a few factors to consider, which include:

• Pound facility availability 
• The animal should be a registered and microchipped
• The animal should be in good health and suitable age
• Feral cats are not accepted as they cannot be rehomed (Local Land Services manage this issue)

Animals not reclaimed after their statutory hold period become available for adoption on our website.

• Changes in your life which may influence your willingness or ability to keep the animal, such as extended overseas travel, having children, changing homes to a place not suited to animals, change of jobs, financial security or ongoing ability to exercise the animal.
• Are you willing to care for the animal for the lifetime of the animal?
• Are you willing to regularly exercise the animal to minimise boredom related problems?
• Can you afford the ongoing costs such as purchase, vaccination, registration, microchipping, veterinarian accounts, food and upkeep?
• Will your partner or family be committed to keeping the animal?
• How big is the place where you live? Has it got an adequate exercise area?
• If your yard fenced?
• Have you got particularly sensitive neighbours?
• How big an animal should you acquire?
• What are the needs of the individual breed? Is it susceptible to certain health problems which could be costly? Is it likely to want a lot, or little exercise? Is it likely to be aggressive? Are they good with children?
• Do you live near sensitive bushland or native species habitat?
• Is this just a fad? Do you really want the commitment?
• Has it been microchipped yet, and what will be the cost?
• If you already have animals, do you have enough space for another one?

If your dog or cat has passed away, you’ll need to notify us within 28 days or within 24 hours (for restricted breeds or dogs declared dangerous) so that we can update our registration records. We’ll need documentary evidence from a vet, indicating that your animal has died. 

Disposing of a deceased pet

There are several options for disposing of a deceased pet, but please don’t place the animal in your domestic bin. These are: 

• You can choose to bury your animal in your backyard
• You can take your pet to our Waste Management Centre (disposal fees apply)
• If the animal died at the vets, or was euthanised, ask your vet about disposal options
• You may like to contact a pet cremation service